Three weeks before my Davao, Samal, GenSan and Lake Sebu trip, my father was rushed to the hospital due to heart complications. He spent 10 days in the ICU, costing us a fortune, hence I thought of cancelling the anticipated jaunt. However, I couldn’t simply scrap everything—I got all my plane tickets and hotels paid. In the end, I pursued the trip with very minimal cash at hand. My first day Read more

When you look at Google Map, you will find Sohoton Bay as another thick and dark green area seating on the southwest of Bucas Grande Island where white strips dot the edges to its islet conglomeration. There are also blue lagoons and shallow areas reflecting a turquoise shade to the satellite cameras. And yes, by merely looking at the map, I couldn’t stop my very thin arm hairs raising for excitement. [Related Read more

When I was a kid, all I heard about Siquijor were tales of sorcery and witchcraft. Thus, even though we were almost a stone-throw away from the island and despite having close relatives residing to one of its growing communities, I never asked my parents to pay a visit. When the child’s mind has become mature and the adventurous genes are getting dominant, those stories have become a weaker hindrance. Read more

Top brass Filipino travel bloggers? Here’s my list in no particular order: Lakwatsero Ask Angel everything about travelling around the Philippines and he will give you complete and precise travel guides with matching important notes, tips, and reminders. He mastered writing do-it-yourself (DIY) guides that do not only include “how to get there”, “where to stay”, and “what to do” but also stresses cultural significance, community impact, and environmental preservation. Read more

What I immediately noticed when I visited Punta Isla Lake Resort are the sweet sound of the tree dwellers. Singing an un-arranged lullaby, the Eurasian Tree Sparrows, the Chestnut Munias, the Pied Fantails, the orioles, and the swallows emanate a music that so fresh to the ears. Listening to these songs while wandering along the flower-filled alleys, the rustic stairways, and the healthy greens of the resort really feels extraordinary. Read more

Settled at 1000-meters above sea level and is sandwiched between Roxas-Matulas and Daguma Mountain Ranges, the municipality of Lake Sebu is unsurprisingly cool and abundantly vegetated. Springs and rivers from these rolling hills provide continuous water supply to the three important watersheds of the town, namely; Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit, and Lake Seloton. The home of the indigenous T’Boli, Ubo, Tiruray, and Manobo tribes is also known for its majestic water Read more

Around the later week of December 2014, I checked Siquijor before going home to spend the New Year with my family. When I am about to board a Dumaguete-bound ferry, the coast guard halted all sea-based trips – a pesky storm visited the Philippine islands again. Uh! That was a major buzzkill! I tried to eavesdrop on local travelers’ conversations, hoping for possible runaway options, however, I heard it was too risky. Read more